[Change of prolactin in SD rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis].

OBJECTIVE

To verify the effect of prolactin (PRL) on the development and progression of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in SD rats and the inhibitive effect of bromocriptine (BRC) on the development of EAT.

METHODS

SD rats were injected with BRC to inhibit the development of EAT and the change of PRL were observed.

RESULTS

High level of serum PRL was found in the EAT rats [(8.70 +/- 0.42) microg/L, P < 0.01 vs. control (6.46 +/- 0.67) microg/L], and there was also high levels of thyroid autoantibodies (thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody). However, in rats receiving BRC, the levels of thyroid autoantibodies decreased as the PRL level declined (5.30 +/- 0.81) microg/L and the thyroid lesions were mild.

CONCLUSION

Hyperprolactinemia plays a role in the development of EAT and control of the hyperprolactinemia with BRC may afford therapeutic benefit.